By Train
The UK has an extensive rail network connecting virtually every major city and town. It is fast between major centres — London to Edinburgh takes around 4.5 hours, London to Manchester about 2 hours — but fares can be expensive if you book at the last minute or travel at peak times (before 9:30am on weekdays).
The key to cheap rail travel is booking in advance. Advance tickets can be a fraction of the walk-up price. Trainline and National Rail are the main booking platforms. Ticket-splitting (buying two tickets for parts of the same journey) can save money on longer routes.
Eurostar passengers now arrive at St Pancras International in London, not Waterloo.
By Coach
National Express and Megabus serve most major cities and many smaller towns. Coaches are almost always cheaper than trains, especially if booked ahead — Megabus in particular offers very low fares for flexible travellers. Journey times are longer, but the price difference can be significant.
By Air
The UK has a large domestic air network. Flying London to Edinburgh or Glasgow is roughly the same journey time as the train once you account for airport time and check-in, and often more expensive. For routes to the Scottish islands, Northern Ireland or the far north of Scotland, domestic flights make more sense.
By Car
Driving is the most flexible way to explore rural areas, the Scottish Highlands, Wales and the southwest. Car hire is available at all major airports and city centres.
Remember: traffic drives on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour — 30mph in towns, 60mph on single carriageways, 70mph on motorways. Drink-drive laws are strict.
In London
Don't try to drive in central London. Use the Underground (Tube), buses or the Overground. An Oyster card or contactless bank card is the cheapest and easiest way to pay — tap in and out on readers at stations and on buses. London buses have a flat fare of £1.75 per journey. The Citymapper app is the best tool for navigating London's transport network.